Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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I welcome members and viewers who may be watching proceedings on Oireachtas television to the public session of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs. The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss recruitment and retention of social workers. In the first session the committee will hear from representatives of the Irish Foster Care Association. In the second session the committee will hear from representatives of the Irish Association of Social Workers.

On behalf of the committee I welcome the representatives of the Irish Foster Care Association. Ms Catherine Bond is the chief executive. Ms Sharon O'Donnell is the media and communications officer. Mr. Andrew Murphy is the supports services co-ordinator. You are all welcome and thank you for coming.

In accordance with procedure I am required to draw your attention to the fact that by virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of their evidence to this committee. However, if you are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence on a particular matter and you continue to so do, you are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of your evidence. You are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and you are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, you should not criticise or make charges against any person, persons or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

Any submission or opening statement you have made to the committee will be published on the committee website after this meeting. After your presentation there will be a question-and-answer exchange from members of the committee. Ms Bond, please make your opening statement.